Sharks Sign Left Wing Matt Nieto

SAN JOSE, California – San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced today that the club has signed left wing Matt Nieto to an entry-level contract. In keeping with club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The 20 year old Nieto recently completed his junior season at Boston University, posting 37 points (18-19-37) in 39 games played. He led the lead in goals (18), was 2nd on the team in points (37), ranked 25th in the nation in goals per game (0.46 G/GP) and finished 39th in the nation in points per game (0.95 PTS/GP). Nieto was recognized as a Hockey East Top Performer five times this season.

“Matt has had an excellent collegiate career and he has had the privilege of playing for Jack Parker, Mike Bavis and Buddy Powers, who have immeasurably contributed to his on-ice success,” said Wilson. “We are excited to bring him formally into the Sharks family and help him continue his progression as a hockey player.”

As a sophomore, Nieto recorded 42 points (16-26-42) in 37 games played. He was tied for 2nd on the team in goals (16), 2nd on the team in points (42) and was ranked 26th in the nation in points per games played (1.14 PTS/GP). Along with being named an Honorable Mention All-Star by Hockey East, Nieto was a runner-up for Hockey East Player of the Month in October, runner up for INCH National Player of the Week on Nov. 11 and was recognized as a Hockey East Top Performer seven times.

In 115 career games with Boston University, Nieto registered 44 goals, 58 assists and 102 points. He was named a Hockey East Top Performer a total of 16 times.

Before attending Boston University, Nieto was a member of the U.S. National Under-18 Team that claimed consecutive titles at the World Under-18 Championships in 2009 and 2010.

The five-foot-eleven, 185-pound native of Long Beach, California was drafted by San Jose in the second round (47th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft.